U.S. patent application number 11/143388 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-08 for therapeutic sports towel.
Invention is credited to Brody, Lee Richard, Brody, Michael E., Marini, David A..
Application Number | 20050271857 11/143388 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34971587 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050271857 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brody, Lee Richard ; et
al. |
December 8, 2005 |
Therapeutic sports towel
Abstract
The invention is a therapeutic sports towel that integrates the
features of a sports towel and a stretching device into a single
device that incorporates the desired properties of the two. The
therapeutic sports towel is thus absorbent and convenient to carry
on a golf bag or drape over a shoulder, while also having the
appropriate resistance and recoil properties for therapeutic
stretching. Further, the combination of a towel material with a
stretchable material ensures that the therapeutic stretching has a
predetermined maximum length, to prevent the overstretching that is
commonly associated with therapeutic stretching bands and so forth.
Various embodiments of the invention include one or more pockets
for holding ice or ice packs, such that the ice or ice packs may be
retained in place against sore or pulled muscles by tying or
fastening the therapeutic towel appropriately around the body or a
body appendage. Further, the therapeutic sports towel may include
straps that are encased in end pockets, such that the straps can be
revealed as necessary for use in particular exercises.
Inventors: |
Brody, Lee Richard;
(Somerville, MA) ; Marini, David A.; (Andover,
MA) ; Brody, Michael E.; (Merrimack, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CESARI AND MCKENNA, LLP
88 BLACK FALCON AVENUE
BOSTON
MA
02210
US
|
Family ID: |
34971587 |
Appl. No.: |
11/143388 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60577710 |
Jun 7, 2004 |
|
|
|
60644668 |
Jan 18, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/78 ;
5/420 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0555 20130101;
A63B 21/00043 20130101; A63B 21/4007 20151001; A61F 7/103 20130101;
A63B 55/408 20151001; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101;
A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 57/60 20151001;
A63B 21/055 20130101; A63B 21/4025 20151001; A63B 2023/006
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/078 ;
005/420 |
International
Class: |
B32B 003/16; A47G
009/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise towel, comprising: an absorbent towel material
having an original form and a stretched form; and a stretching
material disposed within the absorbent towel material, the
stretching material being adapted to provide a sufficient
resistance for performing stretching exercises with the towel, and
to return the towel to its original form after stretching.
2. The exercise towel as in claim 1, wherein the towel has first
and second distal ends, and further comprises: at least one strap
on at least one of the distal ends.
3. The exercise towel as in claim 2, further comprising: an end
pocket for each strap on the corresponding end of the towel, the
pocket closing to enclose the strap, and opening and inverting to
the reveal the strap.
4. The exercise towel as in claim 3, further comprising: a closure
system to retain the strap in the pocket.
5. The exercise towel as in claim 4, further comprising: a security
pocket on the inside of the end pocket, the security pocket having
a closure system that operates independently of the closure system
of the strap pocket.
6. The exercise towel as in claim 4, wherein the closure system is
a zipper
7. The exercise towel as in claim 3, further comprising: a
waterproof material disposed within the end pocket.
8. The exercise towel as in claim 3, wherein the end pocket is
adapted to carry ice.
9. The exercise towel as in claim 1, wherein the towel has first
and second distal ends, further comprising: at least one fastener
on at least one of the first and second ends.
10. The exercise towel as in claim 9, further comprising: at least
one additional fastener located between the two ends.
11. The exercise towel as in claim 10, wherein the location of the
at least one fastener located between the two ends is
adjustable.
12. The exercise towel as in claim 11, further comprising: a
channel disposed within the towel, wherein the at least one
adjustable fastener moves within the channel.
13. The exercise towel as in claim 1, wherein the absorbent
material is a cotton terry.
14. The exercise towel as in claim 1, wherein the stretching
material is a blend of spandex and nylon.
15. An exercise towel, comprising: an absorbent towel material; at
least one channel disposed within the towel; and a stretching
material disposed within the at least one channel.
16. The exercise towel as in claim 15, further comprising: at least
one stretch band as the stretching material.
17. The exercise towel as in claim 15, wherein the stretching
material is removable.
18. The exercise towel as in claim 15, further comprising: one or
more handles affixed to distal ends of the stretching material.
19. The exercise towel as in claim 18, further comprising: a pocket
for each of the one or more handles, the pocket closing to enclose
the handle, and opening to the reveal the handle.
20. A method for making an exercise towel, comprising: providing an
absorbent towel material having an original form and a stretched
form; and providing a stretching material disposed within the
absorbent towel material adapted to return the towel to its
original form, increase a strength of the towel, and provide a
measure of resistance for stretching the towel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/577,710, entitled
THERAPEUTIC SPORTS TOWEL, which was filed on Jun. 7, 2004 by Brody
et al., and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/644,668, entitled THERAPEUTIC SPORTS TOWEL, which was filed on
Jan. 18, 2005 by Brody et al., the contents of both of which are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to sports towels, and more
particularly, to a sports towel that can be used
therapeutically.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] It is generally well known that performing muscle-stretching
exercises has wide-ranging health benefits. For example, getting
blood flowing to the muscles by stretching, or "warming up," before
participating in sports can prevent injury to the muscles as well
as enhance athletic performance. Further, sore or tightened muscles
often benefit from stretching exercises after activity. It is also
generally known that the application of ice can be helpful in
promoting healing and reducing the pain and inflammation that can
sometimes accompany tired or injured muscles.
[0006] Often, many healthcare clinicians such as chiropractors and
physical therapists prescribe stretching exercises and ice
treatments to their patients. These clinicians may teach their
patients to stretch using stretch tubing or stretch bands during a
therapeutic office visit, to add resistance to the movement of the
muscles in order to warm up the muscles properly. Many times
physical therapists will schedule a series of muscle therapy
sessions in which the patient uses the stretching devices, and then
instruct the patient to continue to use the devices at home, in the
gym, and on the sports field. Many office visits also include the
application of ice, and the patient is often instructed to continue
use of ice while at home.
[0007] Although the benefits of stretching and icing are well
known, compliance by patients and athletes tends to be poor. Very
few people actually carry a muscle stretching device or an ice pack
when exercising. Generally, this is because the muscle stretching
devices and ice packs that are currently on the market are
inconvenient for the participant to carry. It some cases, the
public image of carrying therapeutic devices is also a reason for
an athlete to leave the beneficial therapeutic devices behind.
These factors are true for any number of sporting activities, such
as cycling, football, soccer, weight lifting, general conditioning,
etc.
[0008] One example of a sport that can particularly benefit from
stretching and icing is golf. Performing stretching exercises prior
to playing golf is recommended by golf experts as a means to
enhance golf performance by increasing flexibility and range of
motion. Typically, however, golfers do not properly stretch prior
to playing golf. Many golfers simply take a few practice swings
before hitting their first golf shot. These individuals tend to not
get "warmed up" until after playing a few holes of golf, and often
report "tightness" in their golf swing. Further, while on the golf
course they may often suffer injuries, such as muscle pulls or sore
backs and shoulders that would benefit from the application of ice
after the round of golf is completed.
[0009] There remains a need, therefore, for a device that promotes
stretching and icing of the muscles for therapeutic patients and
athletes and is convenient to carry. There is also a need for a
device that healthcare clinicians and trainers can prescribe to
their patients for stretching and icing that promotes a continued
use of the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention is a therapeutic sports towel that integrates
the features of a sports towel and a stretching device into a
single device that incorporates the desired properties of the two.
The therapeutic sports towel is thus absorbent and convenient to
carry on a golf bag or drape over a shoulder, while also having the
appropriate resistance and recoil properties for therapeutic
stretching. Further, the combination of a towel material with a
stretchable material ensures that the therapeutic stretching has a
predetermined maximum length, to prevent the overstretching that is
commonly associated with therapeutic stretching bands.
[0011] Various embodiments of the invention include one or more
pouches for holding ice or ice packs, such that the ice or ice
packs may be retained in place against sore or pulled muscles by
tying or fastening the therapeutic towel appropriately around the
body or a body appendage. Further, the therapeutic sports towel may
include handles that are encased in end pouches, such that the
handles can be revealed as necessary for use in particular
exercises. Accordingly, the user may use the towel with the handles
available as hand and/or foot holds to perform certain stretches at
the start of an exercise routine or a round of golf. Then, the user
may carry the therapeutic sports towel and use it with the handles
hidden, for example, during a weight training session or a round of
golf, such that the towel has a more conventional look and both the
utility of a conventional sports towel for, e.g., wiping away
sweat, or cleaning gold clubs, and so forth, and also a different
character and utility as a stretching device to keep the exerciser
loose or limber.
[0012] The therapeutic sports towel can thus be used effectively to
provide vigorous pre-session (or pre-round of golf) stretching with
the handles revealed and, with the handles hidden, less vigorous
maintenance stretching during the session or round to keep the
exerciser limber, all with the added convenience and the full
utility of a conventional sports towel. After the exercise session
and/or round of golf, the user may again reveal the handles and use
them to perform vigorous end-of-routine exercises. Further, the
exerciser may use the therapeutic sports towel to hold ice against
pulled or sore muscles, as discussed briefly above and in more
detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The above and further advantages of the invention may be
better understood by referring to the following description in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference
numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements, of
which:
[0014] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a sports towel with
straps;
[0015] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a sports towel wrapped
around a stationary object;
[0016] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a sports towel with
pockets enclosing the straps;
[0017] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of a sports towel with
pockets opened to reveal the straps;
[0018] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of a sports towel affixed to
a golf bag;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a sports towel as in FIG.
1B showing an illustrative use of an ice pack;
[0020] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a sports towel with a
magnetic fastening system;
[0021] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of the sports towel in FIG.
4A showing the sports towel wrapped around a user's torso;
[0022] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a sports towel with a
folded layer of stretchable material surrounded by a folded layer
of towel material;
[0023] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of a completed sports towel
as in FIG. 5A with enclosed ends and side;
[0024] FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of an expanded sports towel
with stretchable material surrounded by towel material;
[0025] FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of an expanded sports towel
with a loop of stretchable material surrounded by towel
material;
[0026] FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of an expanded sports towel
with layers of stretchable material surrounded by towel
material;
[0027] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of a sports towel with
pleats;
[0028] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of a stretched sports towel
with pleats;
[0029] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of a sports towel with strips
of towel material;
[0030] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of a stretched sports towel
with strips of towel material;
[0031] FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of alternating materials of a
stretched sports towel;
[0032] FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of a stretched sports towel
with alternating materials;
[0033] FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram of a towel material shape for
use with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of a hook and loop pocket
closure system;
[0035] FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of a snap pocket closure
system;
[0036] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of a hook and loop fastening
system;
[0037] FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of a snap fastening system;
and
[0038] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a sports towel having
stretch bands.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
[0039] In accordance with the present invention, the therapeutic
sports towel fully integrates an absorbent material, such as a
towel material, with a muscle-stretching device, such as a
stretchable material, into various shapes or designs so that a user
simply stretches the towel for the proper exercises needed to
"loosen up," and may thereafter use the towel for its absorbency in
a more conventional manner. Examples of basic stretches that may be
performed using the therapeutic sports towel are further described
in "Stretchtowel: The Basic Stretch Routine," published by Brodini,
2005, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
[0040] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a therapeutic sports towel
100 in accordance with the present invention. The towel 100
comprises an absorbent towel material 102, and a stretchable
material 104. Illustratively, the towel material 102 may be an
absorbent, yet stretchable fabric, such as stretch cotton terry
cloth (e.g., an 80% cotton, 20% polyester blend), or other cotton
blend. Stretching material 104 is included to return the towel to
its original form ("recoil" or "snap-back"), increase the strength
of the towel, and provide a desired (sufficient) resistance to
facilitate the use of the towel to perform various exercises that
target the warming up and stretching of muscles. Notably, the
stretchable material 104 can be any kind of flexible material, such
as rubber or fabric that has a desired degree of elasticity. One
example of a suitable fabric is a spandex and nylon blend (e.g.,
20% and 80%, respectively). Moreover, the towel material 102, in
addition to being absorbent, provides a predetermined maximum
length for the therapeutic sports towel. Thus, a user is
essentially prevented from overstretching.
[0041] In accordance with the present invention, straps or handles
may be built into the towel, such as at ends of the towel, to
provide hand or foot holds. In FIG. 1A, the sports towel 100 has
one or more straps 114 affixed to ends 116. These straps 114, which
may be made from a strong fabric material, or other suitable
material, such as plastic or rubber, are built into the towel, such
that a user can hold the end of the towel using hands or feet as
appropriate for various exercises. The straps 114 may also be used
to attach the towel to a stationary object 220, as shown in FIG.
1B, for further exercises known to those skilled in the art.
Illustratively, the towel may be attached by looping (or threading)
one end of the towel around the object 220 and through the strap
114 at the opposite end.
[0042] FIG. 2A shows end pockets 108 that enclose the straps 114
(shown in phantom). The material for the pockets 108 may be a
similar material to the towel material 102, or any other suitable
material, stretchable or not. Notably, the stretchable material 104
may, but need not, extend through the pockets. The pockets 108
include a closure system 112 such as a zipper112a, which may be
recessed to prevent the zipper from scratching the user. FIG. 2B
shows the pockets 108 open and folded back over the towel 100, such
that the straps 114 are available for use. Also, one or more
security pockets 122 may be located within the interior of one or
both pockets 108, such that when a pocket 108 is open, there
remains a secured recess for any personal items (e.g., keys, ID,
etc.). The security pocket 122 includes a closure system 124 that
is similar to the closure system 112. FIG. 2C shows the sports
towel 100 in place on a golf bag 200. Notably, the straps 114 are
enclosed in pockets 108, such that the sports towel 100 appears to
be a conventional golf towel.
[0043] In accordance with the present invention, the towel 100 may
be adapted to hold ice or ice packs, such as within a pouch or
pocket. For example, the pocket 108 that houses the strap 114 may
be used to hold the ice or ice packet, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
Illustratively, the material for the pocket 108 may be a waterproof
material, e.g., a waterproof nylon, such that the run off from the
ice and/or ice pack remains substantially contained within the
pocket 108. Those skilled in the art will understand that the towel
may instead hold a heat pack.
[0044] In accordance with the present invention, a fastening system
110 may be used to affix the towel 100 securely to a user by
creating a loop of the towel 100 around the user or device, such as
for applying ice as mentioned above. One example of the fastening
system 110, as shown in FIG. 4A, consists of a pair of magnets
110a, one on each end of the towel 100 and an optional adjusting
magnet 118, fabricated either upon or within the towel by means
such as being sewn, glued, tacked, etc. To adjust the loop of the
towel 100, such as for fitting the towel to a body or other device,
the adjusting magnet 118 moves within a channel 120.
[0045] Illustratively, the channel 120 is created within or upon
the towel 100, such as by adding a layer of material (e.g.,
elastic) to either the stretchable material 104 or towel material
102, or by other means, such as by sewing the stretchable material
and towel material together in manner to create a channel. The
adjusting magnet 118 freely slides within the channel 120, such
that the user draws the magnet 118 along the channel 120 until the
sports towel 100 fits relatively snugly around the body or
appendage, and the connection with a magnet 110a holds the towel
100 in position. For example, the pressure of the connection holds
the material between the magnets in such a way that the towel 100
remains in position until a user disconnects the magnets 110a and
118. Those skilled in the art will understand that while magnets
are used, one or more of the magnets may be replaced with any other
material attractive to magnets (e.g., rust resistant metals).
[0046] As noted, the fastening system 110 may be used such that the
towel can be wrapped around a user and held in place while the ice
contained in the packet cools adjacent muscle groups, as depicted
in FIG. 4B. FIG. 4B shows the towel 100 wrapped around the torso of
a user and secured with a fastening system 110 (e.g., magnets 110a
and adjusting magnet 118), thereby placing the ice in a desired
position (e.g., proximate the lower ribs).
[0047] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of how the towel
material 102 and stretching material 104 may be integrated in
accordance with the present invention. FIG. 5A shows one embodiment
where a layer of towel material 102 is folded over a layer of
stretching material 104 to surround the stretching material. The
layers may be attached (e.g., sewn) along the ends 116 and edge(s)
with a stretchable thread 130 as shown in FIG. 5B in a manner known
to those in the art (e.g., a surge stitch), such that the towel and
resulting seam stretch in substantial unison.
[0048] It should be understood that the present invention provides
a number of advantages in therapeutic practice and sports training
methods. Particularly, the novel sports towel promotes the
continued stretching and icing of the muscles for therapeutic
patients and athletes that is convenient to carry. While there has
been shown and described an illustrative embodiment of the present
invention, it is to be understood that various other adaptations
and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the
present invention. For instance, the invention has been shown and
described herein using separate layers of towel material 102 and
stretching material 104. However, the invention in its broader
sense is not so limited, and may, in fact, be used with a composite
material demonstrating absorbent qualities as well as providing the
stretching characteristics as described above. The following FIGS.
6A-12 describe various alternative embodiments that may be used in
accordance with the present invention.
[0049] FIGS. 6A-9C show alternative designs that may be used to
integrate the towel material 102 with the stretching material 104.
In FIG. 6A, a layer of stretchable material 104 is surrounded by a
layer of towel material 102. Towel material 102 may be formed as a
single loop of fabric, or may be a single layer attached along two
opposing sides (e.g., sewn together) to form a surrounding loop.
FIG. 6B is another alternate embodiment where both the towel
material and the stretchable material 104 are formed as loops. A
looped arrangement ensures that the towel material 102 and the
stretching material 104 are only attached to each other at the
ends, such that when stretched, each material is allowed to stretch
independently of each other up to the terminal length of the towel
material. Alternatively, towel material 102 and stretching material
104 may be configured as a collection of layers (e.g.,
"sandwiched"), such as shown in FIG. 6C. Notably, any number of
stretching material layers may be used to achieve the desired
characteristics, and at least two layers of towel material are
included in order to surround the stretching material. Further, any
combination of folded and unfolded layers of material may be used
in accordance with the present invention. For example, a layer of
towel material 102 may be folded over a single unfolded layer of
stretchable material 104 (not shown).
[0050] Another alternative embodiment of the towel 100 in
accordance with the present invention can be seen in FIGS. 7A and
7B, where a layer of stretchable material 104, as shown in the
cutback portion, is disposed on or between layers of towel material
102. As shown in FIG. 7A where the towel is not stretched, the
towel material is pleated. In FIG. 7B, the stretched towel shows
that towel material 102 flattens and spreads the pleats
accordingly. Alternatively in FIG. 8A, a plurality of thin strips
of the towel material 102 are placed on a layer of the stretchable
material 104, as shown in the cutback portion. Once the towel 100
is stretched, the individual towel material strips 102 spread
apart, revealing the stretchable material 104, as illustrated in
FIG. 8B.
[0051] Still another embodiment of the present invention is shown
in FIGS. 9A-9C, where the towel material 102 is substantially
shaped to conform to the stretched length of the stretching device
102. For example, the H-like form of the towel material 102 of FIG.
9A incorporates stretching material 104 in FIG. 9B. Once the
stretching material 104 is allowed to contract, the towel material
102 may pleat together, substantially forming the shape of the
towel 100 as seen in FIG. 9C. It should be understood that any
appropriately shaped towel 100 may be used in addition to the
H-like form shown.
[0052] Briefly, FIGS. 10A and 10B show alternate closure systems
112 that may be used to close the pockets 108. In FIG. 10A, one or
more hook and loop flaps, e.g., Velcro.RTM. flaps 112b may be used
to close the pockets 108. In FIG. 10B, one or more snaps 112c may
instead be used as shown. Those skilled in the art will understand
that other closure systems 112 may be used in accordance with the
present invention, such as buttons, hooks, suspender clips, etc.,
and that such embodiments are within the scope of the present
invention.
[0053] FIGS. 11A and 11B show alternate fastening systems 110 that
may be used to fasten the towel 100 around an object or person, as
in FIGS. 3 and 4B. In FIG. 11A, Velcro.RTM. flaps 110b may be used.
After wrapping the towel around the object or person, (e.g., with
the ice or ice pack properly positioned), the user attaches the end
of the flap 110b to the outside of the towel 100 or pocket 108.
Notably, fastening system 110b may be configured to attach to any
position on the pockets 108 or the towel 100 to create more
versatility. Moreover, the Velcro.RTM. flaps 110b may also be used
to close the pockets 108 (i.e., as the closure system 112) as in
FIG. 10A. In FIG. 11B, snaps 110c are used in place of the magnets
110a of FIG. 3. Illustratively, to provide the adjustability, a
series of snaps 110c may be located along the length of the towel
100 as shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that other
fasteners and fastener systems 110 may be used in accordance with
the present invention, such as buttons, hooks, suspender clips,
etc., and that such embodiments are within the scope of the present
invention. For instance, a series of magnets 110a or other fastener
may be located along the length of the towel to provide the desired
ability to adjust the fit of the towel 100 as in FIG. 11B.
[0054] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
muscle-stretching device is a stretchable band or tube or
collection of bands or tubes disposed within channels on the towel.
The bands are independently stretchable from the towel, and may
have handles on the ends. The bands may either be removable or
fixed within the towel.
[0055] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a therapeutic sports towel
100 having stretchable bands in accordance with the present
invention. A stretching device, depicted as stretch bands 105,
extends through channels 103. The towel material 102 is shown
having the channels 103, for substantially containing stretch bands
105. Channels 103 can be made from the same material as the towel
or a different suitable material and can be either sewn onto the
towel, or built within the towel. The stretch bands 105 are used to
perform various exercises that target the warming up and stretching
of muscles, as described above. Stretch bands 105 can be any type
of stretching material, such as rubber (latex or synthetic
non-latex) or stretching fabrics, and can take any form, such as a
solid band, or stretch tubing. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12,
the bands 105 move freely, thereby allowing for the independent
stretching of the bands within the channels 103. In this manner,
towel material 102 will remain unstretched as the user stretches
the bands 105.
[0056] Stretch bands 105 may have handles 106 disposed on at least
one end for grasping by the user, and preferably have handles 106
on both ends. In another embodiment, one end of the bands 105 has a
handle 106 that mounts the bands to one end of the towel material
102, and allows for the other end of the bands to hang
substantially freely and be stretched by the user of the towel. In
this embodiment, handle 106 may be mounted by any means including
being sewn into the towel material 102, or by a clip, fastener, or
other securing devices. Handles 106 may also connect more than one
band 105 at a time (shown), or may connect to a single band (not
shown). Preferably, handles 106 are made of a non-flexible plastic,
but may be made from any material, including, but not limited to,
other plastics, rubbers, fabrics, metals, or any other suitable
materials or combinations. One or more pockets (not shown) may be
included to enclose the handles in the manner described above with
reference to FIGS. 2A-2B.
[0057] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that any
number of stretch bands may be used within the sports towel 100. It
should also be understood that one side of the channels 103 may be
separable from the towel material 102, by means such as snaps,
buttons, hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro.RTM.), or other
fastening devices (not shown), in order to remove the stretch bands
if necessary, such as for washing the towel.
[0058] Further shown in FIG. 12, a compartment or pouch 109 may be
attached or integrated into the therapeutic sports towel 100 to
allow for a bag of ice, an ice pack, or ice to be captured in the
towel, as described above. To form the pouch 109, an additional
layer of material can be sewn or formed into the towel material 102
on three ends to form an open pocket such that ice could be
inserted into the pocket. This pouch could also have a closure
system 112 such as a zipper112a, Velcro.RTM. flap 112b, or snap
112c. Alternatively the pouch 109 itself could be removable from
the towel by being removable on all sides with the use of an
attachment system (not shown). To apply the towel 100 to a user, a
fastening system 110 may be disposed at the ends of the towel so
that the towel can be applied to the user as described above.
[0059] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a combination
of both FIG. 12 and any of FIGS. 1A-11B is possible as another
embodiment of the present invention (not shown). In this
embodiment, a stretchable towel can have the addition of the
separate stretch bands that could be used for a variety of
different stretching activities.
[0060] The foregoing description has been directed to specific
embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, that
other variations and other modifications may be made to the
described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of the
advantages of such. Therefore, it is the object of the appended
claims to cover all such variations and modifications as come with
in the true spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *